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Thursday, April 28, 2011

I was a little annoyed at Amanda, since she was always acting so snobbish, even though she had a reason to be. I see what the authors trying to do, but I can't help but to be irritated with Amanda sometimes. Tracy is your typical shy girl... who dresses horribly. It was a little heart-wrenching to know how her family treated her after her mother had septuplets(!). It'd kind of make you feel invisible. Jenna is your average bad girl... or is she? She just wants to look tough, but she's actually a total softy... which is rather interesting.

The plot of this story, not to mention the whole series is fun, and not too boring. The way that the author wrote this book was fun to read, and I just gobbled it up in no time (did I just say gobbled?). I'd have to admit though, that their powers--- I mean, gifts, are a little too original. There'd be more humor in it if the author made up really random powe-- gifts for each of the characters.

Overall, Out of Sight, Out of Mind was definitely a fun read. If you're looking for a book that isn't too intense to possibly fry your brain with details, then you should read this book. And I'm looking forward to reading the second book and finding out more about Jenna.

RATING: 3/5

COVER: 5/10

CHARACTER(S) I LIKED: Emily, Jenna

CHARACTER(S) I DISLIKED: Amanda

FIRST LINE: Sometimes, I look in a mirror, and there's nobody looking back. - page 1

Queen of Mean Amanda Beeson, 13, gets the shock of her life when she wakes up one morning to find herself in the body of one of her victims, Tracey Devon. Amanda discovers that Tracey, ignored at home and school, has the ability to become invisible. When Amanda finds herself in a special class that Tracey usually attends, it becomes clear that at Meadowbrook Middle School the definition of “gifted” has a whole other meaning. Can Amanda rescue her one-time target from obscurity and get her own life back on track? In order to do so, she will have to reveal her own startling gift and take her rightful place among Meadowbrook’s very secret clique.

"I tiptoe to the nurse's office, hand on the wall to keep me vertical. If I run or breathe too deep, the cheap stitches holding me together will snap, and all the stickness inside will pour out and burn through the concrete." -page 19

Monday, April 25, 2011

I never would've thought that I would like Hex Hall this much! I was never into the whole concept of books about prodigium. I guess that's why I never finished reading Harry Potter (I know, shame on me). But Hex Hall was absolutely amazing, and as soon as I started, I didn't want to put it down.

The story was intense and mystifying. There was barely any flaw to the writing, and so there wasn't a time where I went; hmm... I don't like this part. It was so anticipating it kept me off my seat the whole time. There was also the mystery of who is the hidden killer? It made me guess a lot of times. Before I knew it, something I never would've imagined happened. And I just immediately thought; there you go, problem solved. Who would've known that that was just a deception, to lure you away from the actual truth.

Sophie was the kind of character that you would enjoy reading about. She was a little insecure about her powers, but she was fun to read. It was interesting, funny even, to read how she kept trying to deny her feelings for Archer, the warlock, but everyone knows that love always wins. Whenever she talked to Archer, she was always snooty, and trying to think up a smart and witty reply, which is what got Archer hooked onto Sophie.

Overall, I loved the first book so much, and I CANNOT wait for the second book to see what happens next!!

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Out of all the books that I've read in the series, this one was probably the most suspenseful and mysterious, since they found out who -A is. I thought this book was a great read. I don't know why, but this book is a lot harder to review then the other books that I've read. I apologize in advance if this review is rather... boring.

The characters are backstabbing, selfish and devious. But its obviously their personality that really got to "A" to make her hate them so much. While I was reading each character, and how they act, I was always trying to give myself a reason not to hate them. But I don't know... Let's just say I wouldn't want them as my friends in real life.

If you read prologues, like I do, it started out really mysterious (Geez, I really need to use better adjectives), and it caught my attention, since it was a prologue that was meant to help you reflect on your own behaviour. And then it would be switch to a flashback, when Ali and her friends were still in Grade 7.

Overall, it was well written, and I think the author purposely made the characters the way they are just so it'll accompany the story better. I also loved how she would write it in each Pretty Little Liars perspective. Sometimes, I would want to read one persons perspective more then another, and that's what made it so anticipating for me. This was a great installment to the series, and I'm excited to read the 5th book and see what happens next.

RATING: 4/5

COVER: 5/10

FIRST LINE:Ever wish you could go back in time and undo your mistakes? - page 1

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmare.

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to liver with her uberconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars-because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.

If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.

A. I've actually never had a playlist... but my ipod does consist of mostly korean pop songs. When I say mostly I mean 95% of my songs. What can I say? I'm really in love with them. Haha. I wish I could say that I was in love with indie rock band songs... But sadly, I'm not. If I had to pick a favorite indie rock band, it'd probably be The Scripts.

Q. If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?

A. I usually do. Whenever I finish reading a book that I love, I flip to the back/front of the book where it would show other books that the author wrote, and I would try to track those books down. I remember when I was younger, I loved Lauren Myracle books, so I would try to find all of her books and read them... Haha.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

For those of you who thought this was another one of those chick-lit books that always only talk about high school drama like boyfriends and popular boys, then you're COMPLETELY wrong. This book was one of those that started off on a good note, and ended off with a dark twist. One that will surprise any reader.Many of the characters all hungered for one thing; popularity. To be the top girl of their high school. Too bad someone's out to get them...

I have to admit, when I read the prologue, I was a little confused, since it started off with a phone conversation, and ended off with a blog entry. A rather threatening blog entry... I considered skipping this book, since I thought it would just be one of those many clique books. Boy was I glad I stuck with it.

The characters were well written. The author describes their feelings clearly, and I felt just as terrified as Hazel! It was only written in Hazel's perspective. But I would've wanted it to be more then one person. Like maybe Sylvia and Hazel. There was a lot of drama going on in the story. Not enough that made me think this book was out of control. Just enough to keep me entertained in every page.

In the book, with the whole blog entries and threatening messages and murders, it definitely made me think who it was. I have to admit, I jumped from person to person, accusing them because it seemed the most likely thing. In the end, I would've never guessed the person whoreally was the murderer. I was actually terrified of the outcome!

After reading this book, I was so careful of my surroundings because I was

scared that someone was out to get me. That was the impact it had on me!

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a good

thriller that'll leave you paranoid, even at home!

RATING: 4/5

COVER: 4/10

FIRST LINE: By the end of the first week, everyone had their designated seats in the cafeteria. - page 8

Hazel Stone wants nothing more than to be a part of the hottest clique in school, the Pretty Little Devils. She's got the style, she's cool enough, so how did she end up at a lunch table full of high school C-listers?

Hazel has resigned herself to life as a nobody, when suddenly everything changes. Sylvia, queen bee of PLDs, invites Hazel to one of the group's famous soirees-held at the site of their babysitting jobs.

Before Hazel knows it, she's in with the in crowd-and she couldn't be more thrilled!

But popularity comes with a price. Especially when on of Hazel's classmates becomes jealous of her newfound status-deadly jealous.

"I heard Alice murmur a few words, and suddenly a large orb of light appeared in front of us, bright enough that I had to shield my eyes. Alice muttered under her breath, and the orb jerked upward as if someone had it on a string." -- page 216

Do you have anyone that you can discuss books with IRL? Tell us about him/her.

A. Sadly, I don't exactly have anyone to discuss books with. My family doesn't believe in reading T.T Sometimes, I do talk about books to the other Bookworms. Thankfully, most of them share the same taste of book genres as me, Nhien, Effie and I have about the same taste, we do enjoy our teen fictions now and then. But Rachel is more of the mystery and --what's that genre of books where the main character can talk to ghosts? I'm blanking out -.- But that's just our taste, and we do like the discuss about our taste now and then, and the books we've read. I think it's hilarious hearing Rachel rave about the books she's read, about mystery and suspense, and I'm all like... uh huh.......

Pick a character from a book you are currently reading or have just finished and tell us about him/her.

A. I am currently reading Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder. One of the characters in the book is Sylvia Orly. She's the popular girl at school that everyone wants to be befriended by. She's manipulative and devious, and you always wonder what she's up to next. At some moments, she would be really caring and nice and sincere. And it makes you wonder; what's her REAL personality? What's she really like? If I had to compare another book character to Sylvia, it would definitely have to be Allison from Pretty Little Liars.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

I had such high expectations for this book because 1) It sounded so convincing, the characters and plot and all. 2) When a friend raves about a book a lot, it's sure to capture my attention. She would always say how once you read it, you wouldn't want to put it down. Honestly, I felt a little bad because I was somewhat disappointed at this book.

Frannie was a stubborn character, and she was always acting tough, and being sarcastic. Sometimes, I was a little annoyed at Frannie's character (haha!), and it made think in my head; just say yes already! Luc's character surprised me a little, being a demon, he sure didn't seem like one at all. So I think that was the interesting part of the story, it's like the characters have an identity crisis... And Gabe, the angel; sarcastic, yet you could tell that he had an angelic charm to him. His sarcasm did put me off though... considering he was an angel and all...

The parts where I was disappointed; sometimes, the author would definitely repeat a lot. Sometimes even in the same exact words. And the characters always felt the same emotions and feelings. Which might not seem as a big deal, but its always those small details in the story that improves it. It was also weird to see how fast Frannie and Luc became friends... It was like Frannie was saying to herself; that guy, I'm gonna be his friend today! A lot of things did resolve pretty quickly, like you could tell that the author was trying to rush the story at some parts. Also, for those who believe in Christianity, you may be offended by this book, because it almost makes God look like a bad guy... o.o

There were also good parts to it too. This book is actually really action-packed, especially in the middle, when Frannie wasn't so confused about this whole "tagging" thing. It was really well described so it really made me feel like I was right there in the story, watching the whole thing unfold. I loved how the story was told in both Luc and Frannie's perspective. I thought that that way, everything would be described a lot better then if it was only told in Luc's perspective, or Frannie's perspective.

Overall, I'm really excited to read the second book in the series, and see what happens next. This was a great debut novel from Lisa Desrochers!

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance --even her closest friends--and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same ... until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn't know is that Luc is on a mission. He's been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie's soul. It should be easy -- all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can't be far behind. And sure enough, it's not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more then just Frannie's soul